Rich Tinker Dept. of Commerce/NOAA/NWS/NCEP/ Climate Prediction Center National Drought Monitor Issued weekly (Thursday morning) Synthesis of drought indicators, leaning toward those most relevant to observed impacts Evolved into a semi-official final word on national drought conditions Used as a trigger for a variety of mitigation/aid programs USDA drought disaster declarations D2 or worse 8+ weeks or D3+ 1 week Water management/monitoring practices in Potomac Basin Potomac Basin Drought Monitor Regional view of national Drought Monitor Weekly issuances begin D0+ in 50% of Basin D1+ in any part of Basin Whenever we feel like it Weekly issuances end D0 completely eliminated from Basin Whenever we feel like it fin